Description

Book Synopsis

The infamous literary hoax that fooled the art world

On January 8 1960, artist Nat Tate set out to burn his entire life''s work. Four days later he jumped off a Staten Island ferry, killing himself. His body was never found.

When William Boyd published his biography of Abstract Expressionist Nat Tate, tributes poured in from a whole host of artists and critics in the New York art world. They toasted the troubled genius in a Manhattan launch party attended by David Bowie and Gore Vidal.

But Nat Tate never existed. The book was a hoax.

Will Boyd''s biography of a fake artist is a brilliant probe into the politics of authenticity and reputation in the modern art scene. It is a playful and intelligent insight into the fascinating, often cryptic world of modern art.



Trade Review
William Boyd has probably written more classic books than any of his contemporaries * Daily Telegraph *
A finely judged performance: a deft and resonant alchemy of fact and fiction, of literary myth and imagination * Guardian on Love Is Blind *
One of Britain's most celebrated contemporary novelists * Sunday Times *

Nat Tate

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    A Paperback / softback by William Boyd

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      Book details

      Publisher Penguin Random House Group
      Imprint Penguin Books Ltd
      Published 27 August 2020
      ISBN-13 9780241988879
      978-0241988879
      ISBN-10 024198887X
      Also in:
      Contemporary Fiction Art & Photography History of art

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      The infamous literary hoax that fooled the art world

      On January 8 1960, artist Nat Tate set out to burn his entire life''s work. Four days later he jumped off a Staten Island ferry, killing himself. His body was never found.

      When William Boyd published his biography of Abstract Expressionist Nat Tate, tributes poured in from a whole host of artists and critics in the New York art world. They toasted the troubled genius in a Manhattan launch party attended by David Bowie and Gore Vidal.

      But Nat Tate never existed. The book was a hoax.

      Will Boyd''s biography of a fake artist is a brilliant probe into the politics of authenticity and reputation in the modern art scene. It is a playful and intelligent insight into the fascinating, often cryptic world of modern art.



      Trade Review
      William Boyd has probably written more classic books than any of his contemporaries * Daily Telegraph *
      A finely judged performance: a deft and resonant alchemy of fact and fiction, of literary myth and imagination * Guardian on Love Is Blind *
      One of Britain's most celebrated contemporary novelists * Sunday Times *

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